Maltofer Syrup

Maltofer Syrup is an oral iron supplement formulated with iron (III) hydroxide polymaltose complex at a strength of 100mg per 5ml, manufactured by Vifor Pharma. Unlike conventional ferrous iron salts such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate, or ferrous gluconate, the iron in Maltofer is presented in a non-ionic, ferric (Fe3+) polymaltose complex form, which places it in a distinct sub-class of oral iron formulations.

The syrup is a dark brown liquid presented in a 150ml bottle, designed to be measured out with a dosing device rather than a household spoon. As an iron polymaltose complex formulation, it belongs to the broader product class of oral iron replacement supplements, and its liquid form is often chosen for patients — including children over the applicable age stated on the packaging — who have difficulty swallowing tablets.

Maltofer Syrup is classified as an OTC (Over-the-Counter) supplement and can be purchased in Malaysia without needing a doctor’s prescription, although anyone starting iron supplementation is encouraged to confirm with a doctor or pharmacist that iron deficiency has actually been diagnosed, since taking iron without a genuine deficiency is not appropriate. It is also available from Vifor Pharma as tablets and Maltofer Plus Folic Acid chewable tablets for those who prefer a solid dosage form.

Take Maltofer Syrup during or immediately after a meal using the measuring device provided, as taking it with food is the manufacturer’s recommended approach for this product. The syrup may be mixed into fruit juice or soft food immediately before taking it if preferred, but should not be mixed into a large volume of liquid that might not be fully consumed.

Avoid taking this syrup at the same time as tea, coffee, dairy products, or wholegrain cereals, as these can reduce iron absorption if taken too close together — leave a gap of at least one to two hours where possible. Do not take this product together with other oral or injectable iron-containing supplements or medicines unless specifically advised by a doctor, as this can lead to excess iron intake.

Dosing for iron polymaltose complex products depends on the degree of iron deficiency, body weight, and age, and can differ between brands, countries, and treatment protocols (some regional product information restricts use in children under 12 years, while other markets provide dosing for younger children under supervision) — for this reason, the exact daily volume and duration of treatment for Maltofer Syrup should always be confirmed against the printed package insert or a doctor’s or pharmacist’s specific advice rather than a generic figure.

As general guidance only, adults are typically directed toward a once- or multiple-times-daily dose in the tens-of-millilitres range depending on whether the goal is treating an existing deficiency or maintaining iron levels, continued for a period of weeks to months until blood iron parameters normalise, as advised by the prescriber. If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose, in which case skip the missed dose. Speak to a doctor if there is no improvement in symptoms of iron deficiency (such as fatigue or paleness) after several weeks of use, or if you experience symptoms suggesting iron overload.

Use this syrup before the expiry date printed on the bottle and outer carton. Once opened, check the package insert or ask a pharmacist for the specific in-use shelf life, as this can vary and is not stated in the information reviewed for this listing.

Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight — avoid storing in bathrooms, on windowsills, or in a car, where temperature and humidity can fluctuate. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of the reach and sight of children, as iron overdose in children is a recognised medical emergency.

• Common: Discoloured (dark) stools, which is an expected and harmless effect of oral iron and not a sign of bleeding.
• Common: Mild gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, indigestion, abdominal pain, bloating, or constipation.
• Common: Diarrhoea in some individuals.
• Uncommon: Temporary discolouration of the teeth with prolonged contact, which is generally reduced by taking the syrup with food and rinsing the mouth afterwards.
• Serious: Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, or swelling, which require prompt medical attention.

• Known hypersensitivity to iron polymaltose complex or any excipient in the formulation.
• Iron overload conditions, such as haemochromatosis or haemosiderosis.
• Anaemia not caused by iron deficiency (for example, anaemia due to other nutritional deficiencies or chronic disease) unless iron deficiency has also been confirmed.
• Disorders affecting the utilisation of iron, where iron supplementation would not be appropriate.

• Do not take together with parenteral (injectable) iron preparations, as this can lead to excess iron accumulation.
• Tea, coffee, dairy products, eggs, and wholegrain cereals may reduce iron absorption if consumed at the same time as this syrup; where practical, space them at least one to two hours apart.
• Concurrent use of certain oral medicines, including some antibiotics (for example, tetracyclines) and antacids, may reduce the absorption of either the medicine or the iron if taken together; separate dosing times where possible and check with a pharmacist.
• Do not take together with other iron-containing multivitamins or supplements unless specifically advised by a doctor, to avoid unintentional excess iron intake.

• Take this syrup with or right after a meal rather than on an empty stomach.
• Use the measuring device provided rather than an ordinary spoon, to keep dosing consistent.
• Rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after taking the syrup if you are concerned about temporary tooth discolouration.
• Do not be alarmed by dark-coloured stools while taking this product — this is an expected and harmless effect of oral iron.
• Keep a note of when you started treatment so you and your doctor can track how long you have been taking it.
• Store the bottle somewhere children cannot reach, as this product can be seriously harmful if a child swallows an unsupervised dose.

Precautions: Confirm with a doctor that you have an actual iron deficiency before starting supplementation, as taking iron without a genuine need can lead to iron overload over time. Use caution in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disease, as iron supplements can sometimes aggravate existing digestive conditions. Keep this product well out of reach of children at all times, as accidental iron overdose in a child is a medical emergency that can be fatal, even at doses that would be unremarkable for an adult.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Speak with a doctor if symptoms of iron deficiency, such as persistent tiredness or paleness, do not improve after several weeks of taking this syrup as directed, or if you experience severe stomach pain, black tarry stools with other worrying symptoms, or signs of an allergic reaction. Seek emergency care immediately if a child has swallowed this product outside of a supervised, prescribed dose.